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James Corner Field Operations

The long awaited, much anticipated second section of the Chelsea High Line finally opened last week. Architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro enlisted landscape architects James Corner Field Operations and planting designer Piet Oudulf to complete the half mile-long stretch of elevated walkway. When the entire project is completed it will run 22 blocks through Manhattan’s West side, a total of 1.5 miles, divided into three half mile stages of construction. The first section, completed in 2009, drew crowds with its streamlined simplicity and elegance both in the landscaping and quality of building materials (benches, flooring, lighting design, etc.), but at only a half mile-long the original High Line walk was so short lived it was almost disappointing, especially given all the hype and anticipation leading up to its debut.